Endotracheal intubation

Endotracheal intubation is a medical procedure in which a tube is placed into the windpipe (trachea) through the mouth or nose. In most emergency situations it is placed through the mouth.

Whether you are awake (conscious) or not awake (unconscious), you will be given medicine to make it easier to insert the tube.

After endotracheal intubation, you will likely be placed on a breathing machine.

If you are awake after the procedure, your health care provider may give you medicine to reduce your anxiety or discomfort.

Endotracheal intubation is done to:

Open the airway to give oxygen, medicine, or anesthesia

Support breathing with certain illnesses, such as pneumonia, emphysema, heart failure, or collapsed lung

Remove blockages from the airway

Allow the provider to get a better view of the upper airway

Protect the lungs in people who are unable to protect their airway and are at risk for breathing in fluid (aspiration). This includes people with certain types of strokes, overdoses, or massive bleeding from the esophagus or stomach.

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